Fletch Stoked

ARGYLE progressed to the quarter-finals of the Sportslighting St Luke’s Challenge Cup with a 4-2 victory at Stoke Gabriel in midweek.

Alex Fletcher scored a fine hat-trick for the Greens and there was also a goal for midfielder Conor Grant, who completed 45 minutes in his rehabilitation from injury.

The hosts opened the scoring from a corner that ricocheted around the Pilgrim box before being lashed home but the response was swift and decisive from Grant, firing home from 16 yards after a clever set-piece routine.

Stoke Gabriel have found some form in the East Division of Peninsula football in recent weeks and posed a threat with their powerful approach in the first half, but the Pilgrims found their rhythm after the break to take control.

Fletcher made his first impression with a tremendous long-range strike on 48 minutes and then won a penalty after a foul by the home custodian, which the striker duly converted.

A weaving run from substitute Rhys Shirley was also illegally halted and Fletcher completed his treble with a second penalty before Stoke grabbed a consolation in the dying seconds to make the final score 4-2 to the Greens.

Argyle: Tyler Coombes; Charlie Miller, Isaac Burdon, Conor Grant (Charlie Elkington 46), Ali Mansaray, Adam Randell, Tafari Moore (Rhys Shirley 75), Jeremiah Medine (Reuben Collum 60), Rubin Wilson, Alex Fletcher, Jarvis Cleal. Substitute (not used): Harry Townsend (GK).